In response to the severe drought conditions gripping Logan County, local fire departments have enacted burn bans to mitigate the risk of additional fires. The ongoing dry spell, coupled with the onset of the 2024 harvest season, has significantly heightened the risk of fires in the area.
Recent Fire Incidents:
1. DeGraff: Firefighters swiftly responded to a blaze in a cornfield, containing the fire to approximately half an acre before it could spread further. Both Miami Township and West Liberty fire departments provided mutual aid. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
2. *Rushcreek: An 8-acre grass fire ignited, prompting a coordinated response from local fire crews to control the blaze. Ridgeway and Belle Center fire departments also assisted. There were no injuries reported in this incident.
Fire Chief Warnings:
Fire Chiefs throughout Logan County are urging residents to avoid burning anything at this time due to the elevated risk of uncontrollable fires. The lack of significant rainfall has exacerbated the fire danger, with only a slim chance of showers expected tomorrow and no substantial rain anticipated until early next week.
Farmer Precautions:
Farmers in the region are taking extensive precautions to prevent fires:
– Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring all farming equipment is free of debris and in proper working order.
– Firebreaks: Some farmers are using additional equipment to till the ground and create firebreaks as a precaution.
The drought has also impacted the soybean harvest, with farmers in DeGraff reporting losses of $30-$40 per acre.
Public Safety Reminder:
Residents are advised to give tractors and combines ample space as they move between fields. Additionally, everyone is urged to comply with burn bans and exercise extreme caution to prevent contributing to the risk of wildfires during this critical period.
